2 of 30... go with the flow!

I am usually one for more structured clothing... but lately I have a craving for more flowing tops that have a natural feel to them. This top is one of my new pieces for that I bought right before the challenge... I bought this top, the peach tank from yesterday and the blue floral top (all tops can be seen here) - and spent a whopping $57 on them for the Challenge. So if you were guessing which items looked new... those are the ones! I didn't add much at all!

I love this top because it has the feel of being a over-sized like if you were to borrow your husband's (or boyfriend's) shirt - but it fits well through the shoulders and has the pin-tucked details for some femininity. Also it's really soft... what is better than super soft fabric??? Mmmm.....


I told you I would talk a little about how/why I chose certain items... this fur vest for example is one that I debated. In general in the winter I get stuck in a sweater and jeans rut. There is nothing wrong with that, but I don't tend to experiment with clothing or layers in the winter, I just want to be comfy and warm. Then usually by February or March I want to completely trash it all and I feel like a pile of lumps.


For the 30/30 Challenge I decided to actually "challenge" myself with the items in my closet that I LOVE (like this vest) - but that push me to be more creative and daring with my outfits. Usually in a standard 30 day period this vest would only get pulled out once or twice, but now I will be forced to (hopefully) wear it more! And if you are trying new styles or trying to challenge yourself in any way with your clothing: practice makes perfect! If you don't feel comfortable in skinny jeans the first time - dare to try them again!

A year ago, this is a look I never would have tried... but today - I love it!

For clothing details... go here! The gorgeous leaf necklace is courtesy of Linkel Designs!

my outfit: green says pink!

When I go to pick out an outfit I first think about what mood I am in. That usually gives me an answer to what top I will wear. Then I choose some jeans (cuz that's pretty much all I wear, hey, I got kids!) and that takes a bit longer - choosing jeans for me is like choosing a favorite child. Then my shoes go back to my mood. The accessories though... the clothes kind of pick those... I ask my green sweater - "Sweater, what would make you happy? What would make you feel above average? What are your wildest dreams, dear sweater?" You know... something like that.

Today Sweater said she wanted something to "pop". So the pink scarf it was! What can I say... making dreams come true is my life. That and spilled milk. You know, to keep me humble. (also, just fyi, this outfit is "spilled milk" approved)


Oh, and hello gorgeous white coat. I sure love you.

So want the breakdown of how this outfit was chosen?

Sweater: Need something comfy and warm, but I like the deep v-neck, makes me feel feminine.
Jeans: Need a "good butt" day... Sevens can do that for me. Straight leg for boots, please.
Boots: Need a heel and a bit of style to get me over the last hump of this sickness.

I am really into earrings lately... I think it's my longer hair, it makes it look less long or something. Or maybe it is the influence of my girl Jackie... she loves earrings. They say you are the average of the five people you spend time with. What about the top five blogs I visit. Does that count?

Details:

Coat, courtesy of Tulle

Earrings, F21 (similar)

Scarf, American Apparel (similar)

Sweater, Gap (similar)

Jeans, Seven for All Mankind (similar)

Boots, MICHAEL Michael Kors (similar)

my outfit: finally!

Finally I have some outfit photos for you! I'm finally feeling better... still a little cough, but not as bad as it was, and I am actually getting dressed in the morning without turning back to the closet for sweatpants a couple hours later. I picked up this pink top to wear in Vegas... which I did, but didn't take photos of (kind of the theme of the trip unfortunately). What I love about this top is that while it looked great hitting the strip in (it's sleeveless) - it also transitions well to everyday wear with a cardi... like so:

The cardigan is navy blue (if you can't tell... natural light is becoming scarce in the midwest as summer is now over!) and I thought made a perfect pairing - jewel tones seem to compliment one another nicely. If there is one color I would love to add more of to my wardrobe it would be navy blue... it's timeless and versatile. Truly.


And of course a little leopard for fun!


I added this gorgeous white coat as the day had a little chill in it, and overall, I think the outfit was simple, but very well pulled together. This coat fits like a glove... it's just GLORIOUS and while it is fitted, it's still very comfortable.

I just love dressing for fall!

Details:

Coat, courtesy of Tulle (this coat comes in tons of great colors... make sure to check them out!)

Cardigan, Gap (similar)

Top, Gap

Belt, Forever 21 (similar)

Jeans, Seven for all Mankind

Clogs, UGG

my outfit: au naturale!

Something about the combo of this leaf necklace, the swingy cardi and curly hair and I'm feeling good in my skin. I would own a million flowy sweaters like this one (that is, if I had the money and the closet space). So comfortable and simple for the usual busy-ness that life brings. And these clogs, I mean... are you sick of them yet? I wear them pretty much every day. I just LOVE them.

Kendi had a great post on perfectionism and blogging and it really rang true to me - and likely many other bloggers that put their "real life" out for all to see (judge, critique and otherwise). I do it for you and me in what is usually a healthy balance... but sometimes it makes me second guess myself. Will they be sick of this top, do they hate these jeans, what about the clogs, do they think they are silly????? And the mind-talk goes on and on and on. But through all that I need to remember to be true to myself. I hope you like my true self... but if you don't I have to be fine with that too.


Is perfectionism something you battle with? It can be tough to overcome... I know I go through phases with it. Where nothing is good enough and I am easily down on myself.


But isn't that such a waste of time? We should be focusing on the amazing things we can and do accomplish and the amazing life we live - not the lack of. Somehow this post took a serious turn... but it's true.

To lighten things up a bit... I have eluded to a little Vegas trip I have coming up. And Jackie over at Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle spilled the beans on her blog yesterday - She and I have a fabulous little blogger meet-up planned in Vegas this weekend! How fun is that? My husband goes for work every fall and I tag along and she and I happened to be emailing back and forth about a way to meet in person. I suggested she and her husband meet us there - since it's in her (relative) neck of the woods and voila! Everything worked out and we are set to finally meet and hang out this weekend! I couldn't be MORE excited! Of course we will fill you all in on our shopping, sunning and sipping of cocktails together when we return! I still have to pack and do a million-trillion things before leaving, but I am so excited to meet my long time blogging buddy!

Details:

Cardi, Pure & Simple (similar)

Necklace, courtesy of Linkel Designs

T-Shirt, JCrew (similar)

Jeans, Seven for all Mankind

Clogs, UGG

Bracelets, Charlotte Russe (similar)

my outfit: "she's always buzzing..."

When sky blue gets dark enough... To see the colors of the city lights... A trail of ruby red and diamond white... Hits her like a sunrise...

Name that song, anyone???

It has to do with this sweater... and an old, old cd that I jam to regularly. If you guessed Neon by John Mayer from Room for Squares, you are right. Yes, he is a doofus (as far as the press in concerned) but when his pen goes to paper, fingers to guitar and mouth to microphone... he is genius.


I have been eyeing a super bright cardigan like this one for a while. I even had about 4 or 5 solid outfit configurations in my head of how I would style it as well. So when JCrew was having it's Final Sale with 30% off last week or whenever... it was MINE. I think I got it for less than $20.


But you know me, I'm not huge with color. So to keep it real I paired it with some brown's to mellow it out a bit. In general I thought this color would be hard/harsh to wear. Maybe it is the bit of summer skin left or my cool tones (dark hair/blue eyes) that makes it work. Either way I really like it - even though it's outside of my comfort zone for sure!


This fall with neutrals abounding as the palette of choice... I think a bold pop of color becomes not only easier to incorporate (just pair with greys, black or browns!) but almost necessary to keep things interesting... don't you? Will you consider a bright bold piece like this for fall?

Details:

Jacket, Old Navy (similar)

Cardi, JCrew (similar)

T-Shirt, JCrew (similar)

Jeans, 7 for all Mankind (similar)

Clogs, UGG

Wrap Bracelet, Forever 21 (similar)

my outfit: event!

I was able to get out of the house recently for a really cool event in downtown Grand Rapids. It was urban-y and fashion-y and all around inspiring. I hope to bring more details about it to you soon... in the meantime, here's what I wore.

I will say right off the bat that this was NOT what I had planned... I had a last minute wardrobe malfunction with the outfit I WAS going to wear, don't you hate that? So this was definitely a "safe" alternative. A black top and big earrings, duh!



As a mom do you ever feel like you are a blur just running around like crazy? I served dinner at 5:15 and we had to be dressed and downtown by 6:15... I was flying through the house, the kids were screaming, my husband was trying to take my picture and general craziness was happening.



Thus, blurry pictures.



I took some iphone photos and there was also a professional photog there (I'm secretly hoping he posts some stuff to FB so I can "borrow" them). But I will have details soon!

Details:

Top, Gap

Earrings, Amrita Singh (similar... I got mine at GILT)

Jeans, Seven for all Mankind (similar)

Wedges, Cynthia Vincent for Target (similar)

Clutch, Target (similar)

my outfit: September is here!

This is my first official outfit of September! We've had cooler mornings and the longer range forecast shows that temps won't cool off immediately... but more slowly. Which I am fine with. This outfit has a fall look to it, but it's still comfortable enough if the afternoon warms up.

I have been wanting to try the belted scarf look that I have seen other bloggers pull off so brilliantly. At first it feels weird, but I really like the way it looks. It has a boho feel which is a little bit of a change-up for me and the clogs add to that look as well. It's fun to step out of your comfort zone every now and then!



I am so looking forward to a long weekend... after not feeling good this week I am ready to recharge and then full steam to back to school! It's crazy to believe that some schools have been in session for weeks and we are only just starting next week. But I am ready... and so are the kids. We all need a little schedule around here!


Do you have any big plans for the long weekend? We are just sticking around home... hopefully doing some fun stuff with the kids and getting lots of relaxation in!


I have Mad Men on my Netflix queue and my husband and I are going to catch up on each and every episode from the start - hopefully starting tonight. I am very excited for this... I've missed some episodes and sometimes I get a little lost - so now I will be right back on track! What ever you do... enjoy the last official weekend of summer...

Details:

T-Shirt, Target (similar)

Scarf, Forever 21 (similar)

Necklace, Banana Republic (similar)

Jeans, 7 for all Mankind (similar)

Clogs, UGG

my outfit: fall preview!

This past weekend I spent a rainy morning raiding my closet and getting excited about fall... I played "dress up" big time to get a feel for what I already had in my closet for fall before I got TOO excited about buying more for fall. I think the 30/30 Challenge has made me more disciplined (success!). My fall shopping list seems about a mile long... not good. I wanted to dig into what I had first to make sure it didn't get shoved to the back of the closet with the new. This week I'll show you all my fun "existing" fall looks - then hopefully in the coming weeks I'll mix in some new as well!
~~~

One way I plan to infuse a new look into my existing wardrobe for fall is making new silhouettes out of existing pieces. For instance, I love the look of tucking shirts in for this fall. It's very throw-back, like the rolled pants. But it is also very feminine and a great way to show off your waist with a little higher rise jean like this pair. Not super high, just a touch.



I thought this top would get good wear this summer and it just didn't... the beads are very heavy and would have been too hot for summer days. But for summer to fall it is perfect. It also has great texture... if you love the look of texture check out my fall looks:book (hint, hint!) for some great looks that include texture.



These wide leg pants were one of the items I missed the most during the Challenge, so I was happy to get them back out again. I love how they are casual enough to wear with flats or sandals, but then easily dressed up with a pair of wedges like I did here. Very versatile and they fit great... that is why I love getting my pants hemmed. The length is always just right. Pitch perfect!



Stay tuned this week for lots more fall looks from my closet!

Details:
Top, Forever 21
Jeans, 7 for all Mankind
Wedges, Cynthia Vincent for Target
Bracelet, Charlotte Russe

Steal this look!

Flare Denim by 7 For All Mankind
Sandals by Dollhouse

my outfit: more variations!

I have said before... that mostly my outfits are variations of one another. I'm not like the "fashion bloggers" that come up with amazingly unique and artfully inspired new and different outfits each day. In general, I get hooked an accessory, a jacket, a top or a pair of jeans and then play out variations of that in my outfits until I find my new "bunny trail". Usually I will post just two or three outfits from a weeks worth. So you likely perceive more variation than there really is.

Here is a perfect example though... after this outfit from last week, I was hooked on this necklace. It's just so pretty. I found a simple everyday variation with this outfit:



I've been brainstorming on a way to organize my thoughts and the way I dress to make it helpful for you all (would that even be helpful?). Like capsule collections... featuring two, three or four pieces in four or five different outfits. I guess it would be similar to my wardrobe consults. Would that be useful or entertaining for you?



Our weather is all over the place again... thus, the blazer. And even when the temperature is constant, the humidity outside versus the a/c temps inside are so shocking that I need to have more than just bare arms. If it's not one thing with the weather in Michigan, it's another. I tell ya! Also, I wore this outfit to get ice cream with the family one night, I just freeze to the bone when I eat ice cream. Such a wimp!



Details:
Jeans, Seven for all Mankind (similar, I got mine on GILT for way cheaper!)
T-Shirt, Gap (similar)
Blazer, Gap (similar, in blue or similar, in light brown)
Necklace, Forever 21
Sandals, Forever 21

my outfit: all american!

I love a good street fair as much as the next guy... it's true that I hate the crowds, but I love the food. So when The Festival of Arts opened in downtown Grand Rapids this past weekend it was my number one goal to a) get there early (beat the crowds) and b) get my slimy little hands on an elephant ear. It was a touch on the cool side and I was feeling like classic and simple. So I took the plunge on the denim "suit". I know some may not love the look, but I was a fan.



The key here was that the jeans were a very dark rinse and the jacket was a more destructed light color. The contrast of the two made it seem more intentional, less like an accident, I guess. Does that make sense?



This scarf is vintage, I just love all of the colors. So summery. I am also loving that these more handkerchief style scarves are available in stores now as well. I have three of them, all found at antique or thrift stores... so check there if you want some in fun colors before all the hipsters snatch them up!



How was your weekend? Were there any elephant ears involved??? mmmm..... I like mine with cinnamon and sugar or powdered sugar!

Details:
Jacket, Gap (similar)
Tee, Target
Scarf, Vintage (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans, Seven for all Mankind (similar)
Sandals, Forever 21 (similar)
Purse, Coach, gift

my outfit: stripes & scarves!

Styling this sweater is like stealing candy from a baby (not in the really mean way...), it's just SO easy. I could march in my closet right now and style this sweater ten times and love each iteration more than the last. Why can't it always be so easy?

You might ask, what is with the scarf and jacket and sweater in May? Yes, that would be a great question! I live in Michigan and we have crazy weather this time of year - last week we had a lot of rain and gloom. But yesterday we spent basking in the sun at Lake Michigan where the sand was burning our feet. No joke. That's just what we put up with to have four seasons.



I say I wouldn't trade it, but, ahhhh, you never know! Maybe I would. (wink, wink)



If you want more ideas on how to style a striped top... check out my spring 2010 looks:book. This style top is featured there... and don't forget (drumroll....) my SUMMER 2010 looks:book will be out this Thursday (fingers crossed that editing will be done by then!) with even more good wardrobe advice and ideas for the warmer months. Both feature tons of outfit ideas and the must-haves for the season... without any overlap. Both have totally unique content so you will definitely want to check them both out!

Details:
Jacket, Gap (similar)
Sweater, F21
Scarf, Gap (similar, similar)
Jeans, Seven for all Mankind (similar)
Flats, Old Navy (similar)

my outfit: it's all a variation!

You know the saying... "there's nothing new under the sun" - oh, how true it rings. Especially today... you've seen these jeans, these shoes, this jacket and this top, oh and this belt. But... VOILA! Here it is all together in a new variation. This is how I roll peeps.



But that is what this little old blog is all about right? Making your wardrobe work for you and making it look easy. Also, today it's apparently about my really dorky smile. Who knew?



Make it easy. Ha! Funny, because it's not. A friend of mine said to me the other day (a very FASHIONABLE friend of mine... she has me beat by leaps and bounds) that even though her closet over-flows with clothes, she can never find anything to wear. And I know for a fact that this girl has got clothes (I mean CLOTHES people!). She was under some assumption that I don't have this problem. That is so false. I can stand in my closet for embarrassing amounts of time pondering what to wear. It's a side effect of the "fall" - ha, maybe, probably not. But it's age old. So don't think that I am immune to it.



I love this leopard print belt... it adds a touch of sass to any outfit. Also, an update on the "hand wash" status of this top. I did wash it on the "hand wash" setting on my front loader washing machine in a pillow case tied closed. (whew, got that?) Then I dried it all by itself on a normal setting. It seemed to come out fine! Yippee!

Details:
Jeans, Seven for all Mankind
Jacket, Gap (similar)
Top, JCrew (similar)
Belt, F21 (similar)
Shoes, Cynthia Vincent for Target
Bangles, Charlotte Russe (similar)

my outfit: soccer mom!

Everyone is different... but in terms of motherhood, the whole "soccer-mom" phase for me is a much better "place" to be than the "stroller-mom." The toddler years were tough for me (and still are with my two-almost-three year old) but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Especially on soccer Saturdays. My son is becoming so independent on the field and, I know I am biased, but he's quite talented as well.

For now I have a little control over what activities my kids get into... that will change someday, I know, I know. But whatever they decide to do I just love cheering them on. My husband actually tells me at soccer games that I need to be quiet and just let my son play.


But I like to cheer him on and encourage him. I'm not all crazy on the sidelines, don't get me wrong. But my husband is definitely more reserved than I am.

Where am I going with all this? Oh, yeah. This is what I wore to the fields last weekend. Simple, comfortable and stylish. But not overboard. This silk scarf was a gift from Neiman's (ooohhhhh, yesss, NEIMANS!) eons ago. Good style never goes out of style, ladies. And it's silk. I have one other silk scarf and I know why the older generation (silk doesn't seem to be so "in" lately, does it?) just rave over it. It's light as a breeze on your skin but is actually quite warm, but not sweaty or itchy. Just dreamy, creamy silk.

Details:
Scarf, Neiman Marcus (similar, similar)
Jacket, Gap (similar, similar)
T-Shirt, Target
Jeans, Seven for all Mankind from GILT (similar)

my outfit: na-na-na-neutrals!

After this outfit and a peruse (or 6 or 10) through the new JCrew catalog I realized that neutrals are not only most definitely IN for this season, they are most definitely EASY to wear as well. It's a win - win really. Another thing I noticed in the most recent JCrew catalog (obsessed, much?) is the styling of sequins for day-time.



Subtle and lovely, it's a fun and sophisticated look.



I went scrounging through my closet and found this top that I bought before Vegas last fall (so cliche, right?). Well, I'm glad I did, I likely paid a song for it and I was a bit ahead of the times even (love when that happens!).


So I have determined that neutrals are definitely my thing lately. They're just too easy- impossible to say no to. Also, I totally forgot I had this cropped/fitted safari jacket in my closet. I was so happy to re-discover it!

Details:

Jacket, Old Navy (similar)

Sequined Top, Forever 21 (similar)

Jeans, 7 for all Mankind (similar)

Wedges, Cynthia Vincent for Target

my outfit: easy breezy!

Funny I should mention that I had hopes of snatching up a tunic this spring and then voila! it's here today.



It wasn't that easy... it was more like "blog magic" - you know, similar to "tv magic" (ie. women climbing out of bed looking "naturally" gorgeous, problems disappearing over commercial breaks, and my personal favorite: happy endings). But back to "blog magic" - the tunic has been on my mind for a while... as has THIS post... and I ordered this online and voila, just happened to wear it the day following posting about it.



Although I wish it was some kind of "The Secret" moment of me putting it out in the universe and then magically finding it in my closet the next day.



But alas, behind the blog scenes isn't quite so magical. But online shopping sometimes feel magical... doesn't it? Okay, now I am getting carried away (but, shhh, it does a teensy bit, still).



Isn't the detailing fab for Old Navy, though? I think this is supposed to be a beach cover up - which it will work very well for also - here I just layered it up with some accessories and it's the exact warm-weather look I was going for.

Details:

Tunic, Old Navy

Necklace, Charlotte Russe

Jeans, Seven for all Mankind

Belt, Gap (similar)

Shoes, ? (Target or Steve Madden, not sure) (similar)